Hands Across Borders Gala

Global Communities, a leading health and humanitarian organization committed to saving lives, advancing equity, and securing strong futures worldwide, will host its annual Hands Across Borders gala to celebrate efforts to empower women, children, and communities in San Diego and around the world.

This year’s honorees include K. Andrew Achterkirchen, who will receive the Philanthropic Leadership Award for his long-standing dedication to philanthropy and community engagement; Maria Decker, who will be honored with the Community Ambassador Award in recognition of her tireless volunteer work helping Global Communities and other San Diego organizations forge vital connections with local community partners and raise mission-critical funding; Ileana Nataly Larios Guillen, who will receive the Global Hero Award for her exceptional leadership in Global Communities’ Women Empowered program in Guatemala; and Gap Inc., which will receive the Corporate Leadership Award for its outstanding commitment to empowering women globally. Chaired by San Diego philanthropists Sushma Patel and Mary Lynn Weitzen, with support from honorary chairs Haida Mojdehi, Molly Eldredge, Julie Tafel Klaus, and Elizabeth Roemer Wycoff, the evening will feature a dinner, silent auction with an international marketplace, live performances, and entertainment.